Baked Chicken Breast with Smoked Scamorza
Category: Main Course
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken breast | 800g |
| Smoked scamorza cheese | 80g |
| Cherry tomatoes | 450g |
| Breadcrumbs | 30g |
| Sage | 4 leaves |
| Rosemary | 2 sprigs |
| Thyme | 3 sprigs |
| Orange juice | 1 orange |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 30g |
| Fine salt | 5g |
| Black pepper | to taste |
| Oregano | to taste |
Instructions:
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Prepare the Chicken: Start by trimming any excess fat and cartilage from the chicken breasts to ensure a cleaner, more tender result. Rinse the chicken under cold water, pat it dry, and set it aside.
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Prep the Cherry Tomatoes: Wash and dry the cherry tomatoes, then cut them in half. Set them aside for later use.
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Extract the Orange Juice: Cut the orange in half and squeeze the juice into a small bowl. This will add a delightful citrusy flavor to the chicken during cooking.
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Herb and Breadcrumb Mixture: Finely chop the sage, rosemary, and thyme. Add these finely chopped herbs to the breadcrumbs in a mixing bowl. Season with salt, pepper, and oregano. Mix well to combine the flavors into the breadcrumbs.
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Sauté the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the chicken breasts in the pan and cook for about 2 minutes. While the chicken is cooking, pour the orange juice over it to infuse it with citrus flavor.
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Add the Breadcrumb Mixture: Once the chicken is lightly browned on one side, sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated.
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Add Cherry Tomatoes: Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes around the chicken in the skillet, allowing them to release their juice and infuse the chicken with additional flavor as it cooks.
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Bake the Chicken: Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven set to 180°C (350°F) for 25 minutes. If your skillet is not oven-safe, transfer the chicken and tomatoes to a baking dish before placing it in the oven.
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Add the Smoked Scamorza: After 15 minutes of baking, remove the chicken from the oven. Use the juices from the pan to baste the chicken, ensuring it stays moist and flavorful. Then, return the chicken to the oven to continue cooking for the remaining 10 minutes.
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Grill for a Crispy Finish: After the full 25 minutes, turn on the broiler (grill) setting in your oven and allow the chicken to cook for an additional 4-5 minutes. This will help create a crispy, golden-brown crust on top of the breadcrumb coating.
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Top with Scamorza: Once the chicken has finished grilling, remove it from the oven and top each piece with thin slices of smoked scamorza cheese. Allow the cheese to melt slightly before serving.
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Serve and Enjoy: Your Baked Chicken Breast with Smoked Scamorza is now ready to be served! Pair it with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
This Baked Chicken Breast with Smoked Scamorza is a perfect balance of savory flavors, with the fresh herbs and orange juice enhancing the chicken’s natural taste. The breadcrumbs, infused with aromatic herbs, create a crispy crust, while the melted scamorza adds a rich, smoky finish. It’s a simple yet elegant dish that’s sure to impress at any meal!
